No! Not a cold!

Well. For the first time in what seems like a very long time (two years?), I fear I'm getting a cold. My throat hurts and my nose is continually running. I took some vitamin C thing that is supposed to help you NOT get a cold, or perhaps get over one faster. I think this cold is partially due to all the smoke in the bar, plus the myriads of people that I have to serve - some coughing and whatnot.

A cold.

Dang.

I'm very unhappy about this.

On a nicer note, I went to Goodwill today and got some really groovy clothes. I got two shirts because I couldn't decide between the two of them, but the pants are jeans and suede - and it only cost me $3.49! And the legs are flared nicely. One shirt is psychedelic but tight. I think it shows a little too much fat and cleavage. The other shirt is slit all the way down the sleeves, with ties on the shoulders and just about the elbows to hold the fabric into a sleeve. It's really "flowy" looking. It's actually a very flattering cut for me, so I'll probably wear that one. The only thing I'm concerned about it that it shows my tattoos. I haven't done that at work yet because we're not supposed to. Of course, this is a special situation, but you know. Sometimes showing my tattoos is kind of like showing a part of myself and I don't want any of those people to know anything about me. But the shirt does look good...

I'm going to use the flat iron on my hair, but flip up the ends and feather the bangs. I think I'll even part it right down the middle - usually I part just off to the side. I'm also going to wear my fake eyelashes because that's fun and pretty. Hehehe!!

I bought two different types of insoles for my work shoes. One was cheap and one expensive. I have one type in my left shoe and the other type in my right. I'll bring both to work with me and which ever one doesn't work very well is getting replaced!

Okay, I just took an antihistamine and a decongestant. I hope I won't feel much of my cold tonight. And I hope it goes away fast! Some guys who believed in eating only healthy things once told me that if I got a sore throat and was getting a cold, I should chew and eat two garlic cloves. I have chopped garlic in my refrigerator. I have been thinking about eating some... But then I'll smell like garlic! But what if it works? Wouldn't it be worth it? But what if it doesn't work? *sigh* Maybe I'll do it just in case, and wear perfume. Of course, most of those smokers probably can't smell it anyway. I was wearing a lotion that smelled like vanilla (cookies!) and a guy told me I smelled like coconut. Ah.

3 a.m.

It's a little after 3 a.m. and I just got home. I learned a very important lesson today: Tips suck on the weekends. I really don't know why this is, but it's true. I had a lot of people today who just didn't tip at all. One of the bartenders confirmed that Saturday's are busy, but tips are not good.

Tomorrow (today) will be rough since it's New Year's Eve. I've been warned of the chaos that is about to ensue. We've been given permission to dress in the 70's style, so that should be fun. I think I'm going to feather my hair and wear too much eyeliner. Oh, and a really glossy lip gloss. I'm not sure what to do about the clothes just yet. I might have to make a run to Goodwill tomorrow if they're even open.

I'm tired and I have to go wash the smoke out of my hair now.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! God bless you!!!

Work continutes

New Year's Eve is coming soon... I'm a little afraid. I know it's going to be crazy. Last night I was in the bowling alley for a while and it was dead. I think it was family night or something - lots of kids and people drinking sodas. But, being a Friday night, I got put in the bar after a while and it really started picking up.

We have to mentally keep track of how much somebody has had to drink and watch them for signs of being overly intoxicated. You know, in all my time in the Navy, nobody ever cut my friends and I off. I don't think I've seen it done. Until last night. The guy was just being a jerk and got in another guy's face about something. He was a little scary and intimidating.

The bartender who said "no more" looks like he's 12 years old, but he stood his ground. Good for him! The guy's waitress was pretty unhappy about it. I think his whole party ended up leaving, so I'm sure that's why she was angry.

I served a group of Mexican guys who were really nice. I think I know why a lot of people up here shy away from anybody "foreign" looking, besides possible racial issues. I had at least three co-workers tell me, "They're really hard to understand. Did you take high school Spanish? Because they're hard to understand."

So they feel uncomfortable helping anybody who they don't think they can understand. Well, I had a hard time with a couple of words (especially in a loud bar - "sola" was actually soda), but we stumbled through it. And the guys had two designated drivers which was nice. One of them gave me a $10 tip! It's the most I've gotten at one time. I told them what I know in Spanish: Mi perro es gordo. My dog is fat. They laughed and pointed at each other, calling their friend their fat dog. Oh and I yelled, "Piso mojado!" too... "wet floor!". My Spanish.

There are some old men in there who get really drunk. I think that's a little sad. Drunkenness seems like it should be for the young... and then people grow out of it or something. I like it when they ask us to call them a cab though. One guy was there last night wearing a nice button shirt and tie. After a while, he was at BeerCon Level 4 though, dancing around and screaming because he was drinking Screaming Orgasms.

Oh, and there was karaoke last night. Do I really need to say anything about that? One of the bartenders sang "You Gotta Have Faith" (or is it just "Faith"?), but it's not the original version. It's a new (?) headbanger version where he sang a little and screamed the chorus "YOU GOTTA HAVE FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAITH!!!! SHUT THE F* UP!" Um, I've never heard that version. But it was interesting.

I work until 2 a.m. again tonight... I wonder if we'll have karaoke again.

Beer Wench

I can't remember how much I've posted about this exactly, so here's a recap: I got a job at a bowling alley (night shifts so I can go to school) as a waitress and bartender. I'm being trained as a waitress first and I'll work into tending bar later. I've learned something very quickly: It's all about the tips. If I depended on my wages alone, I'd make less than if I stayed on unemployment!

My first day as a waitress went pretty much as expected. I think I did okay, but it was a little overwhelming just at first because it was strange to be the server instead of the one ordering things. I didn't get many tips my first night. But the second night I felt much more confident and was having fun. I am learning to do things the way I like to do them - my own groove. And it's working! I had a customer tell me that I was the best waitress they'd had there. I also received over three times the tips I got during the first night.

An interesting note: I had my hair down the second night. I think that helped with tips. I think the wonderful haircut is postponed for now. If it helps me get more tips, I'll keep the hair for a while! I'm also trying very hard to remember names and what they drink. It's a little difficult sometimes because some of the guys only bowl there once a week.

This weekend is New Year's Eve as you all know, so I'm really hoping for good tips and a fun time. Working there is a lot like being the hostess at a huge party. Everybody is happy to see me, especially when I have stuff on my tray or in my hands for them.

Now about the customers. A lot of them are really nice. Some are curious since I'm new, and yell out "Fresh Meat!" when I tell them that I am indeed, the new girl. I was warned by some of my neighbors that some guys will get very... forward. I figured I could handle that. After all, I was in the Navy! But even I was a bit surprised at the actions of a few of these bowlers. I had a group of three that I served (1 Bud, 2 Coors Light, bottles not pounders) who I had to be very careful when I was there. I keep my eyes on them and their hands. They offered me $30 for my undies. And they were serious! Ew! I told them I could buy new ones for that, which only made them try to have me see the deal in it. I also told them I could go get some underwear from one of the guys in the bar. They didn't think that was a good idea. Every time I went over to them, I had to be alert. Let's call this BeerCon Level 3.

BeerCon Levels (I just made it up... and am making up as I go along) only go up to Level 5, which is Hostile. In fact, here's the list (I was trying to make a cool picture in Paint, but it turned out so bad, I won't make you look at it):

BeerCon Level 1: Jolly, but a little wobbly. Still happy and friendly. Just bring a towel for spills.

BeerCon Level 2: Happy. Very happy. Spilled something, but it didn't get on their shoes, so nobody is angry. Bowling shoes are VERY important. Getting a bit on the too-friendly side and making bad jokes. Winking involved.

BeerCon Level 3: Obnoxious. Still happy, but they really don't care if other people are happy or not. As long as they are. Making bets and horrible jokes. Can be heard 3 lanes away - even in all the noise. Watch for straying hands, claiming to be accidental or on purpose.

BeerCon Level 4: Annoying and obnoxious. Sloppy. Grabby. Even their friends are embarrassed. If management sees them, there's a good chance they'll be cut off.

BeerCon Level 5: Very angry, irate, etc. They've been cut off or lost a game. Possibly got something on their shoes. Could get ugly.

Let's hope I never see Level 5... although I'm confident I'll see Level 4 on a semi-regular basis. People (other employees) have talked about how "fun" it is when somebody gets cut off. I'm not looking forward to that at all.

Well, because of my inability (and lack of patience), I have no pictures to go with this, sorry. It's really too bad I couldn't take pictures at work. I saw some young people making out at the bowling lane... I thought, "Is this really a place that's so romantic?"

Oh - another thing about working there. They've apparently hired a security guard for the parking lot due to break-ins and stolen things from vehicles. On my second day, somebody's car was stolen. Everybody was wondering where the security guard was. I haven't asked where the employees are supposed to park, but I can tell you that I'm parking closer and closer to the door. Yikes!

New Litter

I have seen a new litter in the stores lately. This is what I normally use for my two cats, and it has worked great:



And this is the new litter:





It's almost like sawdust or birdseed... and a LOT lighter than normal litter. It's not clay based, but I really don't know what it is.





I've only been using it for about a week now, but I can tell you that it's a lot easier to carry out - so much lighter! And I think it's flushable, although I don't flush mine. Has anybody else tried this litter? So far I'm pleased with it...

Merry Christmas!

(Okay, it's a little ghetto... but you get the idea! Merry Christmas everybody!)

Baking

I've been baking. I really don't know why. I'm not a cook of any sort. But the other day, I really wanted to make cookies. I haven't made cookies for probably 10 years or so - no joke. I'm really not a cookie/cake person. But I made chocolate chip cookies with walnuts in them, and it was great! In fact, I ate too many... grrr. But I also gave a lot away, so that's good.

My landlord brings a bag of fruit and a huge summer sausage every Christmas, and this year the fruit was Red Delicious apples. Now, I really don't think they are that delicious. I think the skins are very bitter. But Rayleen had a great idea: She told me I should make something from them! And I confirmed that I did indeed have flour and stuff from when I made cookies, so it was possible! Then I got my diabetic cookbook (a lot of great recipes that are low in sugar and fat) and found a recipe for Apple Crisp! I LOVE Apple Crisp!!! There was a tablespoon of regular sugar and three tablespoons of brown sugar in it, and only about 1/4 cup of flour. The recipe called for low-fat margarine, but I don't have that. I used regular. But if you follow what's supposed to go in, there's only 144 calories and 2 grams of fat! That's not too shabby!







Okay, it finally cooled off enough so that it wouldn't take the first layer of my tongue off... and it's pretty good! I made something new! And it's good! Yay!

Baby, it's cold outside!

It's been pretty cold lately. Not crazy-cold (like zero degrees) or anything, but cold enough! I put another blanket on my bed. That makes it two blankets and a comforter. I should be toasty tonight! I turn off the heat at night, so I have to have enough blankets.

I was driving to Salem and it was absolutely frosty.



At first I wondered if it snowed a little and I just didn't know about it, but it's just really frosty.



Today it was around 34 degrees and raining. I was a little worried the temperature would drop and we'd have freezing rain, but it warmed up to around 37 degrees. Gee, it's like summer.

Oh, and I had a job interview today at a bowling alley. I interviewed for waitress but told the interviewer that I would like to tend bar as well (since it's in the alcohol part of the bowling alley) and she said I could probably cross-train. The interview went really well and she said that she liked me a lot. She's going to check my references and call me tomorrow. She wants to start me immediately, seeing how I am unemployed and all.

The only bad thing is that I'm going to be working in a smokey environment and will be working until 2:30 a.m. I'm more of a morning person, but ya gotta do whatcha gotta do. I'm really hoping the tips will be good enough that I won't have to get a roommate. The interviewer said they're were really good tips, but we might have a difference of opinion on what good tips are. We'll see.

Since I had such a good interview and the likelihood of me working very soon (I'm guessing Friday?) is very probable, I decided to splurge a little on myself. I got a pair of warm, waterproof boots!



They weren't very expensive (around $40) and they are sooooo cushioned! They're very comfortable. I'm looking forward to wearing them and having warm, dry feet!

Well, I guess I should practice my best "Flo" imitation. "Hey Hon (smacking my gum loudly), what can I get ya?" Or I could go with the Annie Potts - Ghostbusters version: "Bowlin' Alley. Whadya want?"

More about hair

So I think I've narrowed it down to two cuts. However, the more I look at them, the more they look like the same cut almost, just styled a little different.

Style One:




Style Two:



By the way, it was Rayleen's great idea to take a picture of the photos so they would be big enough to see. Hm. Good idea!

I'm not in a huge hurry to cut my hair, so it's not a big deal. I think I just want a new hair style. I like my hair right now because it's down to my shoulders, but... I like having it short too. It's so much easier to care for! And I use a lot less conditioner and whatnot. And it's okay if the wind is blowing, or if it's raining. Right now I have to cover my hair if it's raining because the water makes my hair frizz out after I've taken the time to straighten it with a flat iron. And I've had highlights put in and stuff, so now when I wash it, it feels like straw. So a good haircut would make my hair feel healthier and be easier to care for while I'm in school... at least for a little while.

Of course, I could always just put it in a bun.

Hwy 101

While driving on the coast, I figured it would be nice to get a couple of pictures. I didn't have much time as I was on a tight schedule, but I got some anyway. This first one isn't on Hwy. 101, but it's on the way.



In Brookings: Gulls fly from a rock they had all been huddling on.



And I love the waves here:



I stopped to use the "facilities" here and saw a great photo opportunity. I hope it comes out good - the real life view was spectacular.



Same viewpoint, different view:



I wish I could have gotten more pictures, but as I said, I was on a schedule. Maybe next time.

For Rayleen and Faythe

I recently went down to Brookings to visit a friend and on my way I decided to stop and take a couple of pictures. Rayleen and Faythe, these pictures are for you! I apologize to anybody else who might actually read my blog and find this totally boring.

Welcome to our school!



Aww, the anchor!



And of course, we spent some time here in the bandroom - you guys more than me... but I still remember that bandroom smell.



The shop. I wonder what they really did in there.



Is it lunch time?



Going to the lunch room... (There was recently a wind storm, so there's lots of branches and stuff strewn about.)



The elementary school!



This sign cracked me up - I hope you can read it!



Look! IT'S SALTY!!!



And the other teams rickety bleachers, out in the rain, wind or that one day of sun.



Unfortunatly, it looks like our school could use a little TLC.



I didn't blog much because there really wasn't much to say about it. It was mainly pictures for you to look at and shudder. Hehehehehehe.

Commenting

Well, I clicked on the Help button and went through the FAQs for questions about people not being able to comment on a Beta blog. Then I went through "Known Issues" and another link that I can't remember now. Finally, I had to contact them. I sent an email stating that nobody can comment with their login. It makes me sad! Oh, and I found out I have a Google account, or that's what they call it. I commented on my own blog using my new account info - when you switch to Beta, you use your email login and password. Interesting. I'm sure you don't have to, but I did. So that's how I log in now.
This might be my most boring post. Or, sadly, it might not! I'll keep you updated...

And since this is boring, here's a picture of the floor of a field.



While that was uploading, I got an email from the Blogger Team basically saying that if it's a bug, they'll work on it asap... And they gave me the links for FAQs and whatnot again. I'm not sure if this will be resolved or not... Is it a bug? Or is it something they've designed for some reason? *sigh*
I just want my friends and sister to be able to comment and pick a hairstyle for me!!!!!!! hehehe...

a sweater!

I made another sweater. Rayleen told me about a blanket that Faythe made for a relative of hers and I thought the same kind of yarn would make an interesting sweater. So while I was visiting my sis, I started the sweater. I would have finished it a week ago, but I had a problem with the neckhole - I couldn't get my head through it when I was finished. I was so disgusted, I stopped working on it for at least a week. Finally, the knitting bug was strong enough to fix the neck and finish the armpits so I could wear it.

I used the seamless yoke sweater pattern in Elizabeth Zimmermann's "Knitting Without Tears" book and am in love with the pattern. It was so much easier than my first sweater, with the added bonus of not having to sew any pieces together! I'm actually anxious about trying intarsia and fair isle now!

The yarn (and finished product) reminds me of moss, so I call it my Springy Moss Sweater... even though it's winter.

An up-close look:



With my flash, it apparently made the light green parts practically glow...



But I'm proud of it. I'll wear it out in public.

Books and Hair

In my haste to post (I'm really trying to be better at it... although I know I've promised before), there will be no pictures to go with this post. I know, it makes for a boring post. But I've got to do something!

I went to the bookstore at school (hehehe!) today and bought my books for this coming term. Only four classes and it was $250 for my books! One of the classes has new textbooks - no used ones at all. So we're either getting the newest education possible, or Geology is so interesting that everybody keeps their books. Hmmm... neither is very likely. Maybe there are field trips and the books get thrown around on the.. geology. Now I'm afraid to open the cellophane wrapping. It's so new! And of course, the book covers that I bought to protect my books, will only fit one of them... two if I'm lucky, since they are stretchy covers.

I'm actually looking at half.com and finding out I could have gotten an $84 book for only $55... Now should I take my book back and buy the one on half.com? *sigh*

I'm also looking at new hairstyles. My life is about to become very hectic with school, work, church, etc., and I think I would really like to have an easy, no hassle hairstyle. Right now, I can put it in a little bun and get it out of the way, but I think I would like to have a fun hairstyle. I just got my hair cut in September, and it was very expensive. But still... My life is going to change drastically! So I bought a hair magazine and have scanned some pictures for you to look at with me. Maybe everybody (all three of us?) can put the styles to a vote! Ooh, this post will have pictures afterall!

I like this one, it's cute and sassy:



I like this, but I would have to straighten my hair for it... not too much work, but a little:



This is nice, but I would have to curl the sides. Ick. Cute, but too much work:



Sorry if some of the pictures are small, by the way... I hope you can see enough detail. This next one might be one of my favorites. It looks easy and fun. Hmm.



This is a little much for me... but I like it. It's not likely that I'll get this style though.



Grrr... this one is tiny... can you see it???



I kind of like the bangs on this... otherwise, it's just a normal bob (if you can see it):



I hope you can view this one. I'm not considering it, but I would LOVE to have this! It's just a little too... not right for this area... and of course, I'm not thin enough to pull it off. :)



And this last one is just for scare factor. I personally think her hair is standing up in protest. It wants a cookie. For the love of all that's good, give the girl a cookie!!! I can see her bones!!!




So out of the ones that are big enough to see, which ones do you guys like? And why?

Christmas wrapping

I brought out my box 'o Christmas wrappings, ornaments, etc. to wrap some presents. Buddy figured he could be helpful this year. By laying on the box. Twenty pounds of saucy cat to move so I can get into the box... Thanks Buddy.

knits

So it came to my attention that I had not posted my "Unemployment Hat, Gloves and Scarf" set. I just forgot, sorry. So here they are in all their glory:



I tried to zoom in on them, but it didn't seem to work very well. Anyway, the scarf turned out to be about 8.5 feet long. I made the hat and gloves first, and then used all the remaining yarn for the scarf. And in the picture, they look a little pink... In real life, they are more red.

On another subject, the church I go to is having Christmas concerts. We have a total of five shows that happen Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday was packed - I don't think there was a seat left... and it's a big church with a balcony! The first show today wasn't as packed, but the evening one was almost all the way full. My mom and other family members (possibly) will be coming to the Sunday evening concert. There's a full orchestra, drama, skits, and lots of singing of course. I don't have a solo this year, but I might for Easter - who knows.

Anyway, I'm pretty tired and am trying to decide if I'm going to go to the regular church service tomorrow or play hooky until the first concert. :)

Snow, School & Stuff

This is an actual "Christmas" tree. I put the word Christmas in quotes because the tree is so non-traditional.



I have a love-hate feeling about it. It's really pretty... but... it's not Christmasy at all! It's Springy! It has fairies, butterflies, dragonflies and pink sash-type stuff on it. Weird.

I doubt if the snow is visible, but it was snowing when I was at my new school (hehehehehehehe!!!!) doing the necessary paperwork.



I think you can see the snow coming down if you click and enlarge the picture.



I think this is the best picture of the snow (duh - it's the one WITH visible snow). I got up super early to drive on the freeway, and this is what I found on my car:



I'm not sure if we'll actually get any more snow this year, but you never know. It's fun to have it for a few days, even if it is cold.

So the school thing is scary. I have to learn stuff again?!? And I have to buy a graphing calculator. These things run from $50 to $130, I was amazed. Calculators aren't the same any more. They have USB cables so you can hook it up to your computer. One I saw also comes with online homework help! That one is, of course, my favorite. But I think This One is more my budget-style. Anyway, I'm still very excited. For once, I want to learn! I'm a little afraid that I won't be smart enough or something, but I'm willing to give it a try.

It looks like I'm going to be taking trig, calculous and physics. Yikes! That better be a REALLY smart calculator.